Swimsuit Season

Angles One Piece Swimsuit by Karla Colletto
www.swimwearboutique.com

"People shop for a bathing suit with more care than they do a husband or wife. The rules are the same. Look for something you feel comfortable wearing. Allow for room to grow." Erma Bombeck

Happy Memorial Day!! This is the onset of swimsuit season!! The pools across the United States will open for everyone to have the opportunity to cool off on a scorching Summer day. Many of us lack the confidence to wear a swimsuit but I have some tips that will help to flatter all body types.

Halter Dress
www.onestopplus.com

• Use darker colors on the parts that you would like to appear slimmer. A suit with black on the bottom and a lighter color on the top will help draw attention away from your hips.
• Prints with darker backgrounds are usually more slimming.
• Matte fabrics are the most slimming.

Body Types

Curvy: Go with high-cut leg holes to elongate legs. Accentuate the waistline with belts,mesh insets,chevron patterns and diagonals. Avoid:Suits w/o enough support or those that don't fit properly in the bust and butt.

Broad Shoulders: Use V-necks or scoop neck-lines to lengthen the torso. Try wider straps to make the shoulders appear less broad. Avoid: Racerback suits and halter necklines.

Full Bust: Look for built-in support from cups or an underwire. Choose suits with dark, solid colors on top and lighter colors below. Avoid: Suits that lack support or coverage or belts ( unless your waist is small and your torso long).

Small Bust: Choose string bikinis. Look for lower necklines. Use bright colors and details. Avoid: Overly structured suits and obvious padding in the bust.

Raquel by Lakedra Reed
www.couturestatis.com

Tummy: Look for diagonal lines and chevron patterns. Look for Lycra content, to help with control. For two pieces look for bottoms with higher waistbands. Avoid: Anything that cuts across the body horizontally and two piece suits with bottoms that dig into your tummy.

Short-Waisted: A high neckline makes the torso look longer. In two pieces,look for bottoms that ride lower than your natural waistline. Avoid: High-waisted bikini bottoms and suits with horizontal detailing in the midsection.

Long-Waisted: To increase the appearance of leg length, try higher leg cuts. Consider a tankini if you want coverage w/o pulling. The horizontal break in coverage helps the body look more proportional. Avoid: One piece suits that are too short in the body and boy-leg briefs.

Bottom-Heavy: Keep the bottom of the suit dark and matte. Consider Empire-waist suits.Try side shirring ,to sculpt the body. Avoid: Bottoms that dig into your flesh and skirted suits that end at your largest part.

Well I hoped you enjoyed these tips!! Good Luck with buying the perfect swimsuit!!! **If you really love it, but it in more than one color!!**

Ruffled Swim Dress
www.onestopplus.com

Raquel by Lakedra Reed
www.couturestatis.com

Tips Reference: In Style (Secrets of Style) by the editors of In Style magazine.

2011 Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala

If pictures are worth a thousand words, what do these pictures say to you???

Madonna clearly has found the "Fountain Of Youth!" She looks amazing.

Madonna, in Stella McCartney, with Cartier jewels.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

 Well damn you all are the best dressed couple yet you are standing so far away from each other???? Love the dress Beyonce! Snuggle up a little closer to that man, because I bet someone is lurking to be in the picture with him!!

Jay-Z; with Beyoncé, in Emilio Pucci.

Photo: Larry Busacca / Getty Images

I love this dress on Gwyneth, simple but classy and elegant.

 Gwyneth Paltrow, in Stella McCartney, with Fred Leighton jewels. 

Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

J Lo looks haute as usual... In very great shape and the dress color is eye-popping!

Jennifer Lopez, in Gucci, with H.Stern jewels. 

Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

Only Ri can get away with this hairstyle at a Gala!!! LOL..... Very pretty girl.

Rihanna, in Stella McCartney, with Wilfredo Rosado jewels.

Photo: Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com

Okay!! He looks extra happy and La looks uncomfortable!!! But they still look wonderful together!

Carmelo Anthony, in Versace, with LaLa Vasquez, in Vera Wang. 

                                                                 Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

Now this is what I'm talking about....... True Love!!!!! They both are glowing!!!

Swizz Beatz, in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci,
with Alicia Keys, in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. 

                                                     Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

My girl Mary!!! The dress is stunning and so is she!!!!

Mary J. Blige, in Gucci.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

And there you have it!! A night out at the Gala with Stars!!!

Futuristic Fashion (The Spotlight Bag by designer Carlene Junjulas)

DRIES PRESTON handbags are a true testament to fine craftsmanship, integrity of design, and an understanding of a woman's need for function. The DRIES PRESTON collection is bold with a fashion forward edge and attention to detail.

Carlene Junjulas

Carlene Junjulas, designer, approaches handbag design from a clean, bold, innovative point of view. After attaining a fashion design degree in New York, Carlene spent years learning the business of design working in the fashion industry. Since 2002 she has worked for Columbia Sportswear, Under Armour, Joe Boxer and intimate apparel lines forNeiman Marcus. In 2010 Carlene pooled her talents to launch her own line 'DRIES PRESTON' (meaning 'Warrior of Love'). Her youthful essence combined with her knowledge of what women want allowed Carlene to create a line that is both boldly feminine and subtly seductive.

Carlene lives in New York and the handbags are made in New York's garment district where she oversees the development of her creations, and is a true believer that DRIES PRESTON handbags are captured with skilled design, glamorous color choices and luxurious leathers all complimenting the strongly fierce yet stunningly feminine woman. After all "Every woman needs clutches. In her fashion loving opinion, they are essential".!!...It literally GLOWS!! It's awesome for a night out.

Do you plan to do a variety of handbags that light up or is it just a clutch?

Spotlight Bag

The "GRAND SPOTLIGHT" is up and coming. It's a larger clutch for the girl who carries everything in her bag! In essence, DRIES PRESTON is glamorously modern and cutting edge, so make sure to follow me on my social media websites to keep up with my creative plans for 2011.

What inspired you to design the light up bag?

Having an understanding of a woman's need for function! The MINI SPOTLIGHT clutch easily locates your essentials and will finally put an end to fumbling in the dark for your ID, keys, or lip-gloss!

What is your favorite fashion accessory?

My must-haves are: Sunglasses, Scarves and Clutches - not necessarily in that order.

Are you motivated by any other designers?

Spotlight Bag

There are so many amazing designers in the industry. I especially find motovation in the ones that have reputations which enables them to be trend-setters.

Growing up did you always envision your self as a designer?

Yes. When I'm engaged in a meaningful and creative way I feel energized, and it truly brings happiness. I love having the reward of bringing my designs from conception to completion while satisfying a consumers desire.

Do you currently have any celebrity clients?

Not yet, but hopefully in the near future! I'd love to see, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, Leighton Meester, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Amber Rose and Bai Ling wearing DRIES PRESTON. There's something so bold about adding an electric splash of color to your arm! 

Do you have plans to mass produce this product?

Spotlight Bag

As of now I produce small production runs and it works. I always think big and keep strong at my vision. 

What advise would you give to some one breaking into the fashion industry?

Patience. The fashion industry is so over-saturated, you have to believe in your vision and product and just stay true to it. It takes time to develop a brand and find the right factories. But with hard work, and perseverance it all becomes worth it.

What does the future hold for Dries Preston?To expand the line while continuing to cater to the strongly fierce yet stunningly feminine woman and collaborations with amazingly talented people!

So we will follow her on this journey of the spotlight bag and see where she lands!!! Get your spotlight bag today.... http://www.driespreston.com/

For The Love of Fashion

Photo courtesy of style.com

"For the love of fashion"( The mind of a Shopaholic)

OMG! Unbelievable! My water was just disconnected. If only I had paid 
the bill instead of buying those black crushed diamond Chanel shades.
Guess I will just go shower at Kim's house.
This is the year  to step outside the box and get me a 
higher paying job so that people will think I just walked off the runway 
at fashion week.Fantistically stylish is my title and the streets are waiting 
to recognize me as a fashion celebrity. Let me check online right now to see who is hiring. My annual salary needs to be at least $55,000.It would be nice to get a job at an upscale boutique in Paris, I can learn French upon my arrival.After job hunting, I will explore cyberspace to check for the newest most innovative designs.


Lets see, I have $250 !Should I pay the utility 
bill or spend it on  my clothing? Clothing it is!!!!!
Budget shopping makes me want to barf, but.www.ilovecontroversy.com always has some of the best clothing and fashion accessories for any budget.
A classy lady like me deserves to wear the best threads that money can buy.If I sell everything in my closet then I will have money for a new wardrobe.  
Tonight this super model will be hitting the club and win the award for  the best dressed lady in the club. Let's see which one of my girlfriends will be going out with me tonight?? hmmmm. Whoever it is, has to be no more than a 5 so that the real diva will get all the attention.The Year book staff nominated me for best dressed in high school. I dont know where I lost my way. 
Such a shame that I look like a ragdoll right now. Pretty soon the papparzzi will 
be following me everywhere so this fashionista needs to be ready at all times.


Damn, It's time to get ready for work! What shall cover this body today? It is against the fashion religion to repeat anything that has been worn more than 3 times. Maybe a cute white ruffled lace blouse,a navy blue A line skirt,and a pair of gold open toe Mary Mac kitten heels. I really wish I had not spent all my money on that Louis Vatton handbag.I would have a car instead of being cute on the bus. Stealing someones wallet while their not looking when I'm on the bus sounds like a great idea today. I'm going to call Kirk tonight. He is a really good sugar daddy and I can sleep with him to get some money for my new wardrobe. Or maybe I can sell one of my eggs again, that was over 2000 thousand dollars that I received. Too bad I only got two pair of Gucci shoes with it.I'm mentally insane.
I think I need counseling as I reflect back on my crazy life. The things I have done for the love of fashion......... to be contd.

Art Beatz &Couture at Scene-Honey Hustle Production

The Little Black Dress

"The Little Black Dress"

A staple piece of any closet.

CoCo Chanel in "The Black Dress"

From a corporate job interview with a black suit jacket, pearls, and pumps to a blind date with fashionable jeans,stilettos and silver bangle bracelets, the black dress is truly a must have for any woman's closet.As a classic timeless  staple of the wardrobe, the style of the little black dress should be effortless: a short black dress that is part of a current trend would not make the cut because it would soon appear out of style.

Raquel by Lakedra Reed

 "Rock Me Dress"

In 1926 Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue.Chanel's dress was designed to be well -suited for every woman. It was calf-length, straight, and decorated only by a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it “Chanel’s Ford.” Like the Model T, the little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes. Vogue also said that the LBD would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

Kikeara Image Group

Prior to the 1920s, black was often reserved for periods of mourning and considered indecent when worn outside such circumstances.A widow's mourning dress was closely observed at a time when details in fashion conveyed a sophisticated symbolic language. During the Victorian and Edwardian ages, a widow was expected to wear several stages of mourning dress for two years“Deep” or “full” mourning required the woman to wear plain black clothing with absolutely no decoration for the first year and a day of mourning. The second stage lasted nine months and permitted the wearing of black silk. In “ordinary mourning” for three months, the widow could accessorize only with black ribbon, lace, embroidery, or jet jewelry. The final six months of “half-mourning” allowed the bereaved to wear muted or neutral colors: shades and tints of purple were most common. Because of the number of deaths in World War I, plus the many fatalities during the Spanish flu epidemic, it became more common for women to  appear in public wearing black.

                                                                                                         

Hollywood's influence on fashion in North America helped the little black dress's popularity, but for more practical reasons: as Technicolor movies became more common, filmmakers relied on little black dresses because other colors looked distorted on screen and botched the coloring process.The rise of Dior's "New Look" in the post-war era and the sexual conservatism of the 1950s returned the little black dress to its roots as a uniform and a symbol of the dangerous woman. Synthetic fibers made popular in the 1940s and 1950s broadened the availability and affordability of many designs.The generation gap of the 1960s created a dichotomy in the design of the little black dress. The younger "mod" generation preferred, in general, a miniskirt on their versions of the dress .The 1970s did see some little black dresses. Some were lacy and feminine.The popularity of casual fabrics, especially knits, for dress with both sandals and combat boots, though the dress itself remained simple in cut and fabric. Starting in the late 2000s the fashion trends of the 1980s returned to favor. That meant the return of body conscious clothing, muted color schemes, and the reemergence of black. All these things have brought the LBD back, and as now it is popular as ever.So go ahead and cop your black dress that will carry over for decades. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_black_dress source

Style Confidence

 Introduction:
I'm Kela Norman a fashion designer/accesoriesdesigner/stylist. The purpose of this blog is to enhance the fashion sense of every woman regardless of age or race. I have included in this blog tips on being a fashionista. My inspiration comes from my mom who has to look her best even while she is cooking! I hope you enjoy!
Love,
Kela

CONFIDENCE

Everyday from this day forward practice this exercise in the mirror.
Say to your self " I am ultimately sexy! Today I will conquer the world whether I have a good or bad day! I love myself! I am a beautiful fashionista! " Now give yourself a big smile. ;)
 Confidence is important because if you don't believe in yourself why should someone else? A confident woman is a sexy woman! Confidence + Sexy = Style

Whenever you are dressing for your day if you don't feel confident or sexy choose another outfit! Your attitude about your outfit will effect the rest of your day. If you have the time plan your outfit the night before so you will have time to try it on and choose the right shoes and accessories! This way you can start your day with CONFIDENCE ;)
 Another way to keep CONFIDENCE is to make sure you have breath freshener like mint,gum, or spay. Also keep a mirror handy so you can check for minor flaws like food in your teeth,eye/nose boogers,lipstick stains on the teeth, facial stains etc. Lip gloss,balm,and mascara are also basic necessities to keep handy just in case you have to take an impulse picture. Tissue and perfume are needed to wipe your nose if needed and a quick squirt of freshness!
 Another element of CONFIDENCE is knowledge. Try to read the newspaper,books,magazines,and anything on the internet so that you will be able to communicate effectively with others! With basic information of current events this will give you an extra boost of self esteem.
 Self Praise is also a form of CONFIDENCE! Learn to praise yourself for the good things that you do. Celebrate your accomplishments and all the good things that have happened in your life. The energy you put out will be the energy that you receive. So if you stay positive even when things are going bad, there will be a good outcome. AVOID negative people for energy has the form to transform and bounce from person to person. Exit the conversation,room, or area, this will give you time to work on your to do list or any projects that you need to complete.
 Compliments to others can help build someone else's confidence. One may be feeling unsure about a recent style decision such as changing their hair color or trying to wear a new item like a dress in stead of pants. Then you come along and compliment their style and it helps to boost their confidence. So not only should receive compliments but you can also issue them as needed.
 Pick a topic and practice speaking about it in the mirror! What is your facial expression? Do you look confident or unsure? If your an introvert try practicing in the mirror until you feel comfortable enough to iniate a conversation. Once you have mastered this process,it will become second nature to you!
 Ever wonder why some plus size women wear everything a thin woman wears..... CONFIDENCE! In their mind they look just as good as the thinner woman. This makes them feel sexy. If you are a plus size woman reading this, I was just giving an example! Most men find confidence sexy! In later articles, I will focus on dressing for your body type so that everyone will be able to walk around with confidence style and class!

Developing Your Own Personal Style

There are many ways this process can be accomplished. I will provide a few examples. #1. Select a celebrity style icon that you would dress like if you had the budget.#2. Scan magazines fashion websites, clubs, public places for inspiring ideas.#3. Meditation- sit and find some quiet time! Close your eyes and imagine getting a make over! What type of outfit do you select.After choosing the best method for you next it is time to select a new hair style! Feeling like an upgrade to a new hair color. Go for it! ;) You only live once.I will include some hair colors and the clothing colors that match the hair perfectly!




White and black are not considered as being colors, as they are much less present in nature. Both black and white can be matched with any other color.
Grey is neutral, consequently it can also be matched with any color.It's advisable not to wear more than 3 colors in the same outfit to maintain a coordinated look and avoid looking like a clown. In order to have a good result or if you are in doubt, use the color wheel to help you choose the colors. But remember: Less is more;.An outfit must have only one dominant color.Adding one complementary color allows to temper another color.Try using more sober colors for the parts where you want to look thinner.Vivid colors (neon) are better for the upper part of the body because they light up your face.







One very important thing is to match the colors of your clothes to your skin tone and your hair color.If you have a very fair skin and blond, light brown or red hair you could combine: black and white, chocolate color and red, chocolate and khaki, gray and black, lavender and maroon.If you have a fair skin and dark hair: maroon and yellow, navy blue and beige, beige and white, gray and maroon.

For a mat skin and dark hair: pink and orange, green and beige, red and grey, red and black.Avoid matching: green and blue, maroon and black, red and pink, black and navy blue.
Color Tips Courtesy of :http://women-fashion.beautyhill.com/color-tips-to-match-clothing.html

Kikeara Image Group

We are an assembly of freelance makeup artists, stylists, photographers, 

wardrobe stylists, writers, editors and graphic artists and youth 

enrichment coaches along with other professionals that have united to 

bring out the very best in you...

Kikeara image group collaborates with local 

modeling and talent agencies offering special 

pricing to help models build their portfolios by 

adding professional high fashion concepts.

photography services - at kikeara image 

group we run full service photo shoots. 
we provide all of the components 
necessary to have a great shooting 
experience.
we provide:professional makeup
hairstyling
wardrobe/wardrobe styling
art direction
pose coaching
props
location
editing
images delivered on disc

The benefits don't stop there, we also offer 

exposure for your agency on our website via 

banner ads and links!

If you are an agency looking to take your models 

portfolios to the next level contact kikeara now!

www.kikeara.com

Couture Statis at Pretty Girl Rock event hosted by DJ Traci Steele

Couture Statis featuring Exclusively Kela accessories at Pretty Girl Rock event hosted by DJ Traci Steele......

Sparking Controversy

 It has been a year since I consigned with Controversy Boutique. Truly it has been a great experience to be associated with such a prestigious fashion boutique. Located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, Controversy has been sparking Controversy for quite some time.Fashion divas like Beyonce,Keri Hilson, and Mika Means (just to name a few) have graced Controversy with their presence...

 Controversy features Indie designers and very unique pieces that you will be willing to spend all of your money to wear. The accessories are also very exclusive items that are very trendy. Especially Exclusively Kela accessories ;)

 Domino earrings in this picture are from Exclusively Kela and can only be purchased at Controversy!!

So drop in and I promise you will find at least one treasure to take home!!!!
Controversy Boutique
230 Auburn Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303-2647
(404) 880-9088
www.ilovecontroversy.com

Vitesse eXchange is now selling Exclusively Kela

In the process of networking with Raquel Reed of Couture Statis, I was connected to this impressive boutique to place my line of jewelry Exclusively Kela. Thank GOD for opportunity!! This will be a very fashion forward relationship :)

Located in the Castleberry Hill area in Atlanta,GA, This high fashion boutique is making a name for itself amongst the fashionable ladies and gentleman in Atlanta. Vitesses eXchange has one of the hottest shoe selections in Atlanta.

 Vitesse eXchange also sells women and men clothing. The prices are inexpensive and affordable.

 Please support our local boutiques by stopping in to have an enjoyable shopping experience at Vitesse eXchange.

Exclusively Kela Earrings

Vitesse eXchange
319 Nelson Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 577-1349
www.vxch.com

50% Off Sale www.exclusivelykela.bigcartel.com FOFF coupon code

Creating beautiful fashion forward pieces for beautiful fashion forward ladies!!! Our mission is to enhance the inner beauty so that the outer beauty can shine!!! Shop today www.exclusivelykela.bigcartel.com FOFF 50% Off Coupon Code.